Mr. Thongsavan Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR.

The relationship was first established on 21 November 1975, when the then-European Communities welcomed a proposal from the Lao Embassy in France to formalise ties. Just days later, the Lao PDR was founded, and its ambassador to France became its first representative to the European Communities — a moment that laid the groundwork for a dynamic and evolving partnership.

Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR

As the European Communities transformed into the European Union with the 1993 Maastricht Treaty, cooperation expanded with a new political dimension. This momentum led to the signing of the Lao PDR–EU Cooperation Agreement in 1997, which established a high-level joint committee to guide our relations as well as regular policy dialogues on development, trade and human rights alongside.

Our diplomatic presence in each other’s capitals followed: Laos appointed its first permanent ambassador to the EU in Brussels in 1998, and the EU opened its office in Vientiane in 2003, later upgraded in 2016 to a full EU Delegation headed by a resident ambassador.

Over five decades, numerous high-level exchanges have further strengthened political trust. Key recent engagements include the visits of EU leaders during Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, and the participation of Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane at the EU’s 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels last month — coinciding with the exact anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 21 November. On this occasion, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane exchanged official congratulations on this symbolic milestone.

The Lao PDR–EU relationship has consistently focused on sustainable, people-oriented development. In the early years, cooperation centred on overcoming the legacy of conflict, particularly through unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance — saving lives and returning land to productive use.

Today, working in the spirit of Team Europe alongside seven EU Member States - Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Luxemburg – and Switzerland, joint efforts continue to support key national development priorities. These include improvements in quality education and skills development, greater access to maternal and child health services, enhanced food security and nutrition, and strengthened human rights, governance and the rule of law.

Significant progress has also been achieved in sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices. EU support has helped develop high-value agricultural supply chains — such as in coffee, tea and timber — while contributing to forest protection, biodiversity conservation and land restoration.

Connectivity has become a defining theme of recent cooperation. Through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, investments are being made in sustainable transport infrastructure that links people, goods and opportunities within Laos and across the ASEAN region, supporting Laos’ potential as a regional bridge for economic integration and growth.

The relationship between the EU and Lao PDR has evolved into a comprehensive, forward-looking partnership that spans political cooperation, governance, human rights, sustainable development, regional security issues and tackling global challenges such as climate change.

Both Laos and the EU are committed to deepening collaboration in areas such as the green and digital transitions, responsible and high-quality investment, ensuring strong institutions and promoting civil society engagement. The EU has reaffirmed its commitment, through the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, to support Laos’ long-term national aspirations — as a reliable partner, and a contributor to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The anniversary was celebrated at a reception in Vientiane on 10 December 2025 with keynote remarks presented by Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, and Mr. Thongsavan Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, in the presence of [placeholder for Lao guests of honour] and the ambassadors and embassies of the EU Member States in Lao PDR (France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg) with representatives from government, business, civil society and the wider diplomatic corps.

KPL